265: Trifunctional silanes as precursor for sol-gel creation of metal nanocomposites

Abstract: Sol-gel methodology has been used to create materials of vital importance. This is the method of choice when materials in reliable size regimes are required. In this work, we are investigating trifunctional N-[2-(N-vinylbenzylamino)ethyl-3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane (3-SAS) as a starting material for creating nanosilica materials, which also incorporates noble metal nanoclusters. In this research we will present the results of our investigation using 3-SAS as a reducing, stabilizing, and nucleating agent for noble metal nanoclusters. More specifically, we will present the stabilization of gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles. We will also present a detailed mechanistic study of the formation of the resulting nano objects using UV-vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, as well as SEM and TEM techniques.